Symptoms of Air Conditioner Malfunctions

Summer is coming, and that means you need to be on the lookout for air conditioner problems. The more you rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool over the next couple of months, the strain you’re going to put on the system. Preventive maintenance can better prepare the air conditioner to cope with that level of stress, but the odds of problems developing are still going to rise. As you use your air conditioner to keep cool over the next few months, make sure that you keep an eye out for the following malfunctions.

Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool your home. Without it, the system can’t function. The air conditioner relies on the same refrigerant that it received when first installed throughout its lifespan, recycling it back and forth through the system. A refrigerant leak is, therefore, a pretty significant threat. As the fluid levels in the air conditioner drop, the system’s ability to cool will drop as well. This can eventually cause the air conditioner to break down entirely. Make sure that you call for repairs if you notice fluid dripping from your system, or if you notice a drop in output.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter is there to protect your air conditioner from the dust and other contaminants that are commonly found in the ductwork of a home. However, the filter needs to be changed out every few months in order to prevent it from becoming clogged. If the air filter is not replaced and becomes clogged, it will cut off most of the air flow into the system. This can also eventually lead to other issues, like the air conditioner coils freezing over. If you notice ice on your air conditioner, or the system doesn’t seem to be blowing as much air as it should be, you should have a professional check out your air filter.

Short Cycling

Short cycling is when your air conditioner turns itself off before completing a full cooling cycle. This is problematic for the system in a number of ways. First off, it prevents the air conditioner from cooling your home as well as it should be. Second, it accelerates the rate at which the air conditioner wears down over time. The longer the air conditioner is allowed to short cycle, the more prone to developing problems it’s going to be. It’s important that you make sure to call for repairs as soon as you notice that your air conditioner is short cycling, as the issue can reduce the system’s effective lifespan by a number of years.

Even if you notice a symptom that doesn’t fit any of the ones listed above, it’s important that you have a professional, check out your air conditioner if you’re concerned about it. Better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes.